Up in Smoke: Political Realities and Chemical Weapons Use Allegations during Mozambique's Civil War

Abstract

Against the backdrop of Mozambique's prolonged and bloody civil conflict, waged in South Africa's backyard at the twilight of the Cold War, allegations were raised in the midst of delicate peace talks that RENAMO troops used chemical weapons (CW) in January 1992 against FRELIMO forces. An official, but flawed and inconclusive, UN inquiry into the CW allegations raises questions of policy, law, technical competence and political influence, casting doubt on the credibility of such investigative procedures and the efficacy of treaties designed to thwart the use of such weapons.